Archive for the 'Leadership' Category
Investing in the Next Generation of Pastors
One of my greatest personal joys is investing in the next generation of pastors. There is nothing like seeing them experience their “firsts” in leading a church. For pretty well my entire ministry, especially the past decade or so, I have intentionally invested in the next generation of pastors.
Investing in the Next Generation of Pastors
Investing in the next generation of pastors is biblical. Moses invested in Joshua, Elijah invested in Elisha, Jesus invested in the twelve disciples, giving more personal time to Peter, James, and John; and Paul invested in Timothy and many other spiritual leaders. This list could be expanded greatly.
Unquestionably, this biblical principle calls all of us up to this challenge. Regardless of our age as a pastor, we always need to ask ourselves, “Who are we bringing along behind us?” Or we could ask, “Who are the younger pastors we are investing in right now?” We need to insure we walk this vision personally, because it is the biblical thing to do.
What Value does Investing in the Next Generation of Pastors Bring?
Let me mention a few things that bring value to this next generation of pastors when we invest in them:
- Partnership: We are partners in the gospel with all God-called Pastors. Each younger pastor needs a more experienced pastor to help partner with him through ministry, especially when he is leading a church.
- Confidence: When we invest in the next generation of pastors, it instills confidence in them. When they go into meetings after we have talked them through the challenges, they walk with a humble confidence. Leaders who walk with a humble confidence are able to be much more effective.
- Accountability: We all need accountability, especially in our younger years. Investing in the next generation of pastors, may help save some of them, and their future.
- Future: Speaking of the future, when we invest in the next generation of pastors, we are not only helping to building their future, but we are also making a huge investment in the next generation. When we began our Cross Church School of Ministry, we knew we would be making a great investment in the future.
Our first class in this one-year ministry residency will graduate in August. The stories are incredible! Their impact will be God-sized. We love them and are so proud of them. If you know anyone interested in joining our school of ministry, point them to this video.
The principle is this: investing in the next generation of pastors. Who are you bringing along?
What do I Benefit?
My benefits are so many they are too great to mention them all, but I will list just two:
- Reverse Mentoring: They teach me so many things while I mentor them. Mentoring is a relationship where they learn from me and I learn from them.
- Joy: They bring me joy. They make me laugh. They make me want to be with them. I love their vision! The other night, we had 30+ future pastors and future leaders in our home. What a joy! The greatest joy always comes when I know God is using them in local church ministry or somewhere around the world.
You never go wrong when you invest in the next generation of pastors.
Yours for the Great Commission,
Ronnie W. Floyd
Dr. Ronnie Floyd is the President & CEO of the Southern Baptist Convention Executive Committee.
THE POWER IS IN “GOING UP,” AND WHILE YOU ARE THERE, PLEASE PRAY FOR ME
Last night, I had the privilege to preach at the 2014 Southern Baptist Pastors’ Conference in Baltimore, Maryland. I am so thankful to President Bruce Frank, along with his officers, Clint Pressley and Alex Himaya for asking me to speak.
The conference theme is “Show Me Your Glory!” After prayer and fasting, I became convinced to preach on Exodus 33:15-16. My message was entitled “GOD’S GLORY: Distinguished by it or Distanced from it?” Moses wanted to become known for having the glory of God upon his own life and upon the lives of his people. He did NOT want to be known just for having land and possessions.
The distinction is in going up!
Just as Moses went up the mountain to be with God continually, we need to go up to be with God continually. This is where we are set apart, distinct from others, and different for the glory of God. Moses knew the glory and presence of God was the only thing that would set him apart from everyone and everything else. Personal charisma is nice, but not enough. Intellectual brilliance is commendable, but not enough. Physical discipline is appreciated, but not enough. A smile is engaging, but not enough. While those are attributes we would all love to have, if that is all we have, it is just not enough.
We must go where the power is, and the power is in going up to be with God! There is nothing more important in our lives personally each day than going up to be with God! In this place, He fills us with His Word, gives us His message, empowers us spiritually, and sends us down overflowing with His glory.
Would you go up and talk to God today?
There is nothing more important than going up to be with God daily. When you go up to be with Him, talk to Him personally, calling upon Him to show you His glory!
While you are there, would you pray for me?
The greatest thing someone can do for me is to pray for me. Would you pray for me in these next hours? I desperately need your prayer support in every way. I only want one thing: The glory of God on my life and the will of God carried out in all things. God knows I have fasted and prayed, willing and available to Him, and am ready to serve if called upon to serve by our Lord and Southern Baptists.
On Tuesday morning at 10:35 a.m. (EST), the Southern Baptist Convention has a very important decision to make. The messengers present will determine who will be elected to serve as President of the Southern Baptist Convention. Please pray for the messengers to determine the will of God about whom the Lord is raising up to lead as President in this critical hour of our convention, our nation, and our world. Also, pray for Dr. Al Mohler, President of the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, as he nominates me to become the next President of the Southern Baptist Convention.
We leave it all with God
Yes, if God chooses to raise me up, I will state as Moses did in Exodus 33:15, “If Your presence does not go, don’t make us go up from here…I and Your people will be distinguished by this from all other people on the face of the earth.”
Please know, I cry out to God today just as Moses did in Exodus 33:18, “Please, let me see Your glory!” More than anything, I want to have God’s glory, His presence, and His power upon my life and leadership. What He chooses to do on Tuesday is in His hands.
Yours for the Great Commission,
Ronnie W. Floyd
Dr. Ronnie Floyd is the President & CEO of the Southern Baptist Convention Executive Committee.